Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Dayco.
Jenny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started making jewelry around 2003 – 2004! As a plus size woman, back then there weren’t a lot of options for me to be too fashionable, so the only way I felt like I could dress up my outfits was through jewelry and accessories. I used to buy a lot of jewelry, and then I had a turning point where I thought to myself, “Wait, I’m creative, why not make your own stuff?”
I really didn’t think of it as a career until an old college friend suggested I make jewelry for his boutique! When pieces started to sell, I started to feel more confident about making more items and approached other shops in the LA area. During that time, I worked at an agency that repped hair, makeup, and wardrobe stylists, so through that job, I met many people along the way that were helpful.
I’m thankful for all my friends, family, customers, buyers, stylists, etc., that were so supportive at the beginning of my career–without them, I would not have accomplished things that I had only dreamed of when I was younger! When I first started making jewelry, it was really just a hobby or a side project to get out my creative energies. I found a greater purpose within it when I started to hear feedback from friends and customers.
They would often tell me how many compliments they would get from strangers, friends, and family every time they wore a piece I made. After hearing that quite a bit, I thought, “How wonderful it is to create something that makes other people feel happy, and feel good about themselves?” And that is the foundation of why I do what I do.
My career path has been pushed forward and guided by so many people I’ve had the pleasure to know and work with. Because of their support, I’ve had my jewelry on countless celebrities, magazines, tv shows, blogs, etc.–more than I could have ever imagined!
Has it been a smooth road?
Hahaha, I think generally if you’re a creative person, it’s never a smooth road all the way! Early on, I was unsure about the road ahead. I didn’t know if I was meant to create these pieces, or it just stays a hobby. But I pressed on, despite my uncertainty about my career.
There have been times in the past where I struggled with the idea of “Should I make things that people like” or “Be more palatable, and less progressive.” I was too overly concerned at one point just to make pieces that were more “commercial” and sacrificing my creative vision while doing it.
I thought it would bring me more income, but it turns out it didn’t fiscally impact me as much as I hoped it would. I reached a turning point when one of my previous buyers, Alisa Loftin, told me, “Stick to what you’re good at. You’ve always made beautiful and interesting one of a kind pieces, that’s where you’ve always been successful.”
In that same conversation, she also said that the worst enemy for creative people is burnout which I believe to absolutely true. Many times in the past, I’ve spread myself too thin and over-committed to too many projects, and I would reach a point where I didn’t want to make anything, simply because I was burned out. Almost like I had “over-exercised,” and mentally I just needed a break to find inspiration again.
As a designer, I think I’ve had to learn that what you create isn’t for everybody. And it doesn’t need to be. It’s best that one sticks to their own creative vision and aesthetic (which is constantly evolving), and cultivate one’s own creative growth.
I’ll be honest, sometimes I’ll make pieces that I don’t like at all, or that I wouldn’t wear or sell, or are unfinished. But I think it’s absolutely necessary to make those types of pieces to get to making the next one I’ll really like! It seems weird, but those “creative hiccups” are crucial to one’s creative advancement. I’m not sure if other designers talk about this, but sometimes others can disappoint you.
For as many amazing buyers and stylists I’ve worked with in the past, I’ve also had buyers and stylists that have screwed me over. Sometimes businesses will fold, or they won’t pay you what you’re owed, etc.
Unfortunately, as a designer, you do have to take certain risks doing business with people you don’t know, and not everyone is as trustworthy as you hope them to be. I had been burned enough times that I’ve narrowed everything down to a select group of people that I know and trust. And I’m much happier!
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am mostly known for making one of a kind statement jewelry! I have a fascination with making pieces that either are transforming and have that “breathtaking factor,” ones that hold meaning and sentimental value, or pieces that make me laugh in some way!
I love the idea of making “future heirlooms” where my pieces go beyond me and get passed around all over the world! I think it’s an awesome idea that what I’ve made will get handed down, or passed around–these things will have a life longer than my own!
I think my customers are drawn to the uniqueness of my pieces. As a creative individual (since there is no other “me” out there!), by default, the items I make carry on my uniqueness in its creation.
What I’m most proud of is very simple. I love hearing, “I love your ________.” I am happy to have many celebrities, musicians, and many other talented individuals wear what I’ve created! But it’s just as simple as that. There are so many brilliant designers out there in the world, so I’m always delighted when someone chooses something I’ve made!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! LA is just saturated with so many creative and talented people–I think that’s why people feel drawn to coming here! What’s also really awesome about LA is that the people here DO want to help and support others creatively. You might have to come out of your shell a little to talk about what you do, but I think the people here want to know about your particular business so that they can find a way to support it somehow.
Being a designer is definitely a social job–social media is a wonderful tool to broadcast one’s business out there, but I’ve had great results just interacting with people in person. Anytime anyone talks to me about starting a business, the first thing I always say is “Start small.” In the beginning phase of one’s business, you may run into some quirks or circumstances you didn’t quite see, or you might change your mind about a few things than you originally intended, etc.
But it’s important to try, and get “one’s feet wet.” You have to test the waters to really know how you want things to be, and the only way to get there is to experience it. I’m still learning after so many years of doing this, and as culture and society evolves and adapts to new things, so must I!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.jennydayco.com
- Email: jenny@jennydayco.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jennydayco
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennydaycojewelry
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jennydayco
Image Credit:
Josh Williams and Kenjo Raif
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